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Visual memory aid for Bias

Bias

A preference or inclination that prevents impartial judgment; a prejudice or leaning toward or against a person, group, or idea.

noun

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Imagine This

You go to a toy store and see two brands of toys talking to you, 'Buy us! Don’t buy the other brands, we’re better. You know we’re better. Buy us!' Because you are prejudiced toward the 'Cold Wheel' brand, you always buy the other brand.

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Sounds Like

BY-us

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Looks Like

Looks like the simple word 'bias'; the letters are straightforward and easy to read

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Remember This

Bias can be a natural tendency, but conscious awareness is required to make fair judgments. Government equal opportunity laws prohibit bias in employment based on race, gender, or age.

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Other Forms

biasesnoun
biasedadjective
biasinggerund/participle
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Connect With

prejudice, partiality, favoritism, slant, discrimination, objectivity, neutrality, impartiality

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Note

Be careful not to confuse bias with objectivity; bias is a predisposition that can affect judgment. 'Biased' describes someone who holds bias.

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Study Deeper

Examples
  • Researchers must guard against bias in the design of their experiments.
  • Her bias toward urban schools influenced her vote on education policy.
Synonyms
prejudicepartialityfavoritismslantpreconception
Antonyms
impartialityneutralityobjectivity
Etymology

From Old French biais 'slant, oblique'; later extended to mean a predisposition or preference.

Mnemonic

Mnemonic: BIAS stands for Belief In A Side, reminding you that bias is a leaning toward one side.

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